USA > Indiana > Johnson County > History of Johnston County, Indiana. From the earliest time to the present, with biographical sketches, notes, etc., together with a short history of the Northwest, the Indiana territory, and the state of Indiana > Part 41
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92
433
BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP.
profession he early manifested a decided preference. This course of study embraced the leading authorities of the Eclectic system, and so thoroughly did he read them that in 1882, he abandoned his trade and began to practice in Edinburg. He afterward entered the American Eclectic College, at Cincinnati, Ohio, in which he completed the prescribed course, graduating in the class of 1883. Prior to his entering upon the active practice of the profession, the Doctor had treated various diseases by the magnetic method, but since 1882, he has given his attention to the practice of both methods. The Doctor was married April 16, 1845, to Miss Re- becca Vanderveer, daughter of Benjamin and Jane Vanderveer, of Ohio, by whom he has had six children, namely: George, Laura, Mary J. (deceased ), Luther E., Margaret E. and Benjamin V. The Doctor is a republican in politics and an active member of the I. O. O. F. and Masonic fraternities.
JOEL C. PIERCE was born in Johnson County, Ind., September 29, 1838, and is the second child of David and Nancy (Tracy) Pierce, natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. David Pierce came to Johnson County in an early day, and was for a num- ber of years engaged in teaching in Pleasant Township. He fol- lowed teaching as a profession the greater part of his life, and at one time held an official position in the county. Of the children born to David and Nancy Pierce three are now living, viz .: Will- iam, Joel C. and David. Mrs. Pierce subsequently married George Hargan, and moved to the State of Iowa. The subject of this sketch was reared principally in Tipton County, this state, but in 1854, returned to Johnson County, where he has since resided. Since 1855, he has lived in the western part of Blue River Town- shis, where he now owns a beautiful and well improved farm. He is a substantial citizen, upright in all his dealings and enjoys the con- fidence and respect of a large circle of friends throughout this and other townships. He is a member of the Christian Church, and in politics, votes with the democratic party. In 1864, he married Sarah A. Henderson, daughter of L. J. and Catherine ( Allen) Ilenderson. Seven children have been born to this marriage, viz .: Jessie T., Flora M., Joel E., Lewis E., Clarence I., Katie and Laura B. (deceased). Mrs Pierce is also an active member of the Chris- tian Church.
JACKSON PRUITT, prominent farmer and stock-raiser, son of Pleasant and Mary Pruitt, is a native of Shelby County, Ind., and was born on the first day of November, 1840. His early educa- tional privileges were of a meager character, embracing a few months in the common schools, but his practical knowledge, ob- tained by coming in contact with business men, has enabled him to
434
JOHNSON COUNTY.
discharge successfully the duties of an active life. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, which honorable calling has been his life work. April 10, 1864, he was married to Miss Eliza Patterson. of Jennings County, Ind., and daughter of Adam and Roxana Pat- terson. Mr. Pruitt ran a saw-mill several years for his father, and later began farming in German Township, Bartholomew County, where he now owns a valuable farm of 400 acres. In 1874 he moved to Blue River Township, Johnson County, since which time his residence has beenin the suburbs of Edinburg, where he moved in order to better educate his children. In addition to his farming interests, Mr. Pruitt has been extensively engaged in buying and selling live-stock. being at this time one of the most active dealers in this section of the county. He is an ardent friend of education, takes an active part in all public enterprises, but is withal, a man of domestic tastes and habits, finding his greatest pleasure in his home and family. Mr. and Mrs. Pruitt have three children, viz. : Arthur W .. Nannie, and Charles F.
JACOB PRUITT, one of the substantial citizens of Edinburg, and youngest son of John J. and Elizabeth ( Hawkins) Pruitt, was born in Shelby County, Ind., on the 20th day of July, IS58. He was raised to agricultural pursuits, and chose that useful occupation for a life work, and followed it with good success until his removal to Edinburg in the year 1888. Mr. Pruitt belongs to that sturdy class of people, who though quiet and unassuming, have by their industry and sterling qualities of manhood, proved the most valu- able and substantial members of society. He occupies a prominent place in the estimation of his neighbors and fellow-citizens, and has a large circle of friends in Edinburg and surrounding country. He is the possessor of a fine farm in Blue River Township, and is otherwise well provided for, in the way of earthly wealth. Like all members of his family. Mr. Pruitt is a republican, but has never been a partisan or office-seeker. He married, in December, ISSI, Miss Mary Ludeka, of Buffalo, N. Y., daughter of Henry and Abigail (Dangert) Ludeka, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Pruitt are the parents of four children, viz .: John (deceased), Ralph, Belle and Howard.
JOHN J. PRUITT (deceased ) .- Few of the early pioneers of Johnson County were more widely and favorably known, than the late John Pruitt, brother of Pleasant Pruitt, whose biography ap- pears below. John J. Pruitt was born in the district of Abbey- ville, South Carolina, on the 9th day of August, 1814, and when less than a year old was brought by his parents to Indiana, in which state he grew to manhood. His youthful years were spent in the counties of Franklin, Fayette and Shelby, and like the sons of all
435
BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP.
early settlers, he was reared in a time when hard work and mani- fold privations were the common lot of all. He early developed extraordinary powers of endurance, and choosing agriculture for a life-work, bent all of his energies to the accomplishment of the one purpose of founding a home, in which he was more than ordinarily successful. In 1836 he married Miss Jane Kyle, a native of Fayette County, Penn., daughter of Nathan and Elizabeth (Nixon) Kyle, who were among the early settlers of Shelby County. To this marriage were born eleven children, seven of whom are living, namely: William N., Pleasant, Mrs. Elizabeth Sergeant, Joseph, Mrs. Mary Thompson, David and Jacob. The deceased members of the family are as follows: Moses, died at New Orleans, July 9, 1861: Herman, died November 15, 1861; Abigail, wife of Robert W. Medkirk, died April 12, 1870; Belle, wife of G. W. Overstreet, of Franklin, died March 24, 1876. Mr. Pruitt, was very success- ful in his business affairs, and during a long and very active life, accumulated a large property, much of which consisted of valuable real estate, in Johnson, Shelby and Bartholomew counties. He was a liberal patron of all publie enterprises, and a man prominent in the circles in which he moved. In his death, which occurred on the 5th day of November, 1861, the family suffered the loss of a kind husband and father, and the citizens of the community, a wise coun- seller and faithful friend. Mrs. Pruitt departed this life on the 21st day of November, 1887, aged sixty-nine years and a day.
PLEASANT PRUITT, SR .- Among the successful self-made men, of Johnson County, men who have been foremost in the laudable work of developing the material resources of the country as well as adding character to the community, the name of Pleasant Pruitt is deserving of especial mention. The ancestors of Mr. Pruitt were among the sturdy yeomenry of South Carolina, in which state the family was represented in colonial times by a number of worthy members. Moses Pruitt, father of the subject, was a Carolinian by birth, and an early settler of Franklin County, Ind., moving to this state about the year 1815, and later to Fayette and Shelby Counties, in the latter of which his death subsequently occurred, at the age of forty-seven years. He was essentially a self-made man, and during his life accumulated a valuable property, all of which represented the fruits of his unaided efforts. ITis wife, whom he married in South Carolina, was Elizabeth Hawkins, a woman of sterling worth, whose virtues and characteristics are largely repro- duced in the subject of this biography. Moses and Elizabeth Pruitt were the parents of seven children. Pleasant being the second born of the family. His birth occurred in the district of Abbeyville, S. C., on the 6th day of January, ISII, and at the age of four years, 28
436
JOHNSON COUNTY.
he was brought by his parents. to Franklin County, Ind. He af- terward accompanied the family to Fayette and Shelby counties, and it may be truly said that the best years of his life were passed amid the rugged duties and stirring scenes of pioneer times. Be- ing the eldest son, he was early compelled to bear his share of the family burden, consequently his educational training was of a meager character. His practical knowledge, however, gained through a long series of years in the school of experience, is more thorough and complete, and by means of it, he has been enabled to transact successfully, the duties of a very active life, and turn. what to many would have proved misfortune, to his own advantage. No- vember 11, 1833, he took to himself a help-mate, in the person of Miss Nancy Breeding, who proved a true and faithful wife, and valu- able assistant until her death, which occurred on the 2Sth day of March, ISS7. Mrs. Pruitt was born in Kentucky County, this state, in the year 1817, and was a woman honored and respected for her many admirable traits of character, having been an earnest member of the Christian Church for a number of years. To Mr. and Mrs. Pruitt were born a family of eleven children, four of whom are living, namely: Alexander, Jackson, Milton and Elizabeth, (Mrs. Drake), with the latter of whom Mr. Pruitt, now makes his home. Mr. Pruitt's life-work has been that of a farmer, in which he has been more than ordinarily successful. To each of his chil- dren he recently gave a fine farm, besides assisting them in various other ways. In all his business transactions, Mr. Pruitt has made it a point to meet promptly his every obligation, and to-day he is proud of the fact that he owes no man. His life has been a long and useful one, and during a residence of sixty-six years in John- son County, the people have learned to revere him for his sterling manhood, and have profited by his advice and counsel. He is now in the seventy-eighth year of his age, a well-preserved old gentle- man, retaining in a remarkable degree, his mental and physical faculties. He is an earnest member of the Christian Church, and a true type of the old-time gentleman.
ELDER P. S. RHODES, pastor of the Edinburg Christian Church, is a native of Rockingham County, Va., born on the 25th day of November, 1838. His parents, David and Magdalene E. Hilde- brand Rhodes, were also natives of Virginia, in which state the father followed the farmer's occupation. He was a minister of the Menonite Church, and died in the year 1859, aged forty- nine years. Mrs. Rhodes is still living on the old home- stead in Rockingham County, having reached her seventy- eighth year. Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes raised a family of twelve sons. The subject of this sketch was reared in his native state, and re-
437
BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP.
ceived a good common school education. He afterward became a student of Washington College, Iowa, where he pursued his studies for sometime, with the object of entering the ministry in view, and also taught several terms of school, and earned the repu- tation of a successful instructor. He was ordained a minister of the Christian Church, at Chandler, Iowa, October, 1872, by Elders E. S. Athearn and C. White, and immediately thereafter entered upon the active duties of his calling among the churches of that state. In 1874, he returned to Virginia, and, after preaching sev- eral years in his native county, accepted the position of district evangelist, and later became evangelist for the state, which work required his time and attention for nearly five years. He founded, in ISSo, at the town of Gordonsville, Va., the Atlantic Missionary, a religious periodical, with which he was identified in the capacity of editor about four years, contributing in the meantime to columns of various papers of the church with which he is connected. Owing to the poor health of his family, he was compelled to dis- continue missionary and evangelistic work, and accept a pasturate, which he did in ISS7, moving that year to Edinburg, where he has since ministered with great acceptance to the large congregation at this place. Elder Rhodes is a popular minister, and possesses many of the elements which go to make up the successful pulpit orator. He is earnest and faithful in the presentation of scriptural truth, honest in his religious convictions, and has already won a warm place in the affections of his congregation. He was mar- ried September 11, 1862, in Keokuk, Iowa, to Miss Isabelle Law- ler, daughter of Ausburn Lawler. Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes have a family of six children, viz .: John, Medora, Ella, William, Bertie and Florence.
M. A. ROTH .- George J. Roth, father of the subject of this sketch, and one of the reliable men of Edinburg, was born in Nuremburg, Germany, April 7, 1826, and is a son of Frederick and Ann Maria Roth. He came to America in IS49, and located in Louisville, Ky., thence later to Edinburg, Ind., which place has been his home since the year 1853. He married Miss Frances E. Gibbs, of Shelby County, Ky., in IS51, and by her had these chil- dren, namely: Mary Ann, Michael A., George J., William R., Amelia, Lillius, Mollie and Llewellyn. Mrs. Roth dying, Mr. Roth afterward married Miss Sarah E. Runchy, of Shelby County, Ind., a union blessed with the birth of two children: Frances E. and Edward. Mrs. Sarah Roth died December 22, 1876, and Novem- ber 25, 1880, Mr. Roth's third marriage was solemnized with Mrs. Nancy Cummings ( nec Matheny), of Morgan County, Ind., who is his present wife. Michael A. Roth was born in the city of Louis-
438
JOHNSON COUNTY.
ville, Ky., February II, IS53, and while still an infant was brought to Edinburg, where he has since resided. He was educated in the schools of the town, and made his first beginning in life sawing wood for the J., M. & I. Railroad, and later began dealing in coal in a small way, which business eventually increased until he was enabled to start a coal vard. He operates the yard at this time, supplying the greater part of the coal consumed in the city, doing a flourishing business. In connection with the coal yard he has charge of the Adams Express office in Edinburg, and in all his bus- iness transactions has the reputation of an earnest and energetic man. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Odd Fel- low's orders, and in politics supports the principles of the demo- cratic party. October 14, 1877, was solemnized his marriage with Miss Mary K. Werner, of Bartholomew County, Ind., daughter of John Werner. Three children are the fruits of this union, namely: George J .. Clarence A. and Maggie A.
JOHN B. RUBUSH, a native of Montgomery County, Va., and second son of George and Susan (Tinkle) Rubush, was born on the 17th day of November, 1823. George Rubush, the father, was a native of England, and his wife was born in the state of Pennsyl- vania. They were among the early pioneers of Johnson County, Ind., moving here in 1833. George Rubush was by occu- pation a stone and brick mason. and for a number of years preached for the United Brethren Church. He resided in Johrson County eleven years. and then moved to Hamilton County, Ohio, where his and his wife's death occurred, at the respective ages of seventy-three and sixty-eight years. John Rubush grew to man- hood in Johnson County, Ind., and until his twentieth year worked at the farmer's occupation. He then began contracting and build- ing, which he continued until IS62, when he entered the army as member of Company G, Third Indiana Cavalry. He served three years in the army, during which time he earned the reputation of a brave and gallant soldier, having been with his command in many of the bloodiest battles of the war. On leaving the service he re- turned to Indiana, locating in Brown County, thence in 1865, to John- son County, where, with the exception of several years spent in Indianapolis and Acton. he has since resided. Mr. Rubush has given his time and attention principally to contracting and building, and has earned the reputation of a skilled and successful mechanic. He is a member of the Christian Church, and stands high in the community as a straightforward and courteous Christian gentleman. He has been an elder of the Christian Church of Edinburg for a period of twenty years, and is one of the leading and influential members of the society. He married, December, IS43, Miss Eliz-
439
BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP.
abeth McLain, daughter of Jacob McLain, of Kentucky, by whom he has had seven children, the following living, to-wit: Lymon S., Isabelle, Fletcher, Sarah and John. The deceased members of the family were Ellen and Malissa.
G. B. RUNKLE, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Blue River Township, was born in Bartholmew County, Ind., Decem- ber 7, 1834, and is a son of Lewis and Ruth ( Barlow) Runkle, na- tives respectively of Virginia and Kentucky. Mr. Runkle's parents came to Johnson County quite early, and settled upon a farm. Our subject was raised a farmer, and at the age of sixteen went to Shelby County, where he remained until attaining his ma- jority. He then went to Clinton County, where on the 13th of De- cember, 1855, he married Miss Mahala Anderson, daughter of William and Rebecca Anderson. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Runkle returned to the old homestead in Johnson County, where he still resides, and which he owns. He is a successful farmer, an energetic citizen, and as a man is widely and favorably known for his many excellent traits of character. Of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Runkle, three are living, namely: William J., Lydia and Mamie, wife of Harry Furnas, Esq.
WILLIAM P. RUSH, M. D., one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Edinburg, is a native of Franklin County, Pa., and son of James and Margaret (Hasson) Rush. Dr. Rush's ancestors were natives of Ireland, from which country the father emigrated a number of years ago, and settled in Pennsylvania, where his death occurred. His widow subsequently moved to Ohio, and after spending some time in that siate, moved to Vernon, Ind., and later, to Louisville, Ky., where her death occurred at the age of sixty-three. Dr. Rush was born March 7, 1822, and spent the greater part of his early life in the town of Vernon, Ind. He ob- tained a practical education in the schools of the above place, and having early evinced a decided preference for the medical profes- sion, entered upon the study of the same in the year 1841, under the instruction of Dr. Thompson, now of Indianapolis. He after- ward pursued his studies with Drs. Schlissler and Batty, of Madison and Vincennes, respectively, and began the practice of his profes- sion about the year 1844, at the town of Rockford, this state. Im- pressed with the necessity of a more thorough preparation for his chosen calling, the Doctor, in 1854, entered the Medical University of Louisville, Ky., from which institution he graduated in the class of 1854-5. July, 1845, he began the practice of medicine at Edinburg, Ind., where, with the exception of about five years spent in Indianapolis, Ind., he has since resided. While in Indianapolis the Doctor was engaged a part of the time in the wholesale drug
440
JOHNSON COUNTY.
trade with Messrs. Daily and Kiefer, which branch of business he carried on in connection with the practice of his profession. His practice at this time is quite extensive, including a large portion of Johnson and adjoining counties, and in his profession he occupies a conspicuous place among the successful medical men of this part of the state. November, 1846, the Doctor's marriage with Miss Eliza G. Stout, of Vincennes, was solemnized, a union blessed with the birth of seven children, whose names are as follows, to-wit: Lucy (deceased), Margaret (deceased), Thomas, Eliza G., wife of Owen Moffett, E. W. J., James and Louis Rush. Politically, Dr. Rush is a democrat, and in religion, a Roman Catholic.
H. W. SCHOLLER, the gentleman whose name introduces this biography, is a native of Jefferson County, Ind., and son of George and Elizabeth (Ox) Scholler, parents born in Germany. George Scholler was a stone-mason by trade, and was employed in that vocation for some time in the city of Madison, where he did some fine work for the Madison & Indianapolis Railroad Company. Both he and wife died at Madison, and lie buried in the cemetery of that city. H. W. Scholler was born on the 14th day of September, IS44, and grew to manhood in his native county. His early edu- cational advantages were quite limited, and at the age of ten years he began working for himself in a brick-yard, and later found em- ployment in a starch factory, at Madison. After continuing in the latter vocation for a number of years, and becoming thoroughly familiar with the details of the business, he came to Edinburg and accepted a position with the firm of Tilford & Co., starch manufac- turers, and later purchased an interest in the business and became a member of the well-known firm of Cutsinger & Co. He still re- tains his interest, and at this time is general superintendent of the factory. Mr. Scholler is essentially a self-made man, and as such occupies a conspicuous place in the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens. Politically, he is a democrat, taking an active in- terest in the councils of his party in Edinburg and Johnson County. He is a member of the Masonic and K. of P. fraternities, in the deliberation of which he bears a conspicuous part. June II, 1865, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Herbesh, of Madison, Ind., a union blessed with the birth of six children, three of whom: Clinton C., Harry A. and Florence, are living.
JAMES R. SHARP Was born in the city of Madison, Ind., on the 23d of October, 1842, and is a son of John and Miriam (Mc- Cartney) Sharp, natives respectively of Ohio and Indiana. John Sharp was a printer by trade. He came to Indiana a number of years ago, settling in Madison, and later came to Johnson County, where he and wife died at the respective ages of forty-two and
44I
BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP.
sixty-seven years. They were the parents of five children, three of whom are living, viz .: Alice, wife of Henry Henry; Miriam, wife of Mr. Reese, and James R. The subject's youthful years were spent in the counties of Jefferson and Johnson, and at the early age of fourteen he began life for himself as a grocer's clerk in the town of Taylorsville. Owing to the fact of his being obliged to rely upon his own resources at such an early age, his educational training was sadly neglected, but by coming in contact with the business world he soon obtained a practical education which has enabled him to discharge successfully the duties of a very active life. From Tay- lorsville he came to Edinburg, where he held a clerical position until September, 1861, at which time he entered the army, enlisting in Company E, Twenty-seventh Indiana Infantry, for three years' ser- vice. He participated in the most active campaigns of the war, and took part in many of the bloodiest battles of that great struggle. On leaving the army he returned to Edinburg and accepted the posi- tion of book-keeper in the bank of Harvey Lewis, and later, in IS85, became book-keeper for S. Cutsinger & Co., in their starch factory at this place, a position he now holds. Mr. Sharp is a skill- ful accountant, and for nine years was city clerk of Edinburg. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and G. A. R., and with his wife belongs to the Methodist Church. His marriage with Miss Sarah Van Dorn, daughter of J. D. Van Dorn, whose biography appears in this work, was solemnized on the 24th day of October, 1866. To Mr. and Mrs. Sharp have been born three children, namely: Jessie (deceased), Eva D., and Harry V.
DR. JULIUS C. SHARP, one of the oldest medical men in John- son County, is a native of Highland County, Ohio, born on the 9th day of November, ISIO. His father was Isaac Sharp, and his mother's maiden name was Sallie Leaveston. Isaac Sharp served as a corporal in the War of 1812, and died shortly after the close of that struggle, in the vigor and prime of early manhood. Mrs. Sharp subsequently married Alexander Mence, Esq., by whom she had four children. By her first marriage she was the mother of five children, the subject of this biography being the second son and only member of the family now living. The mother of Dr. Sharp was the second time left a widow, and later, she was united in marriage with J. S. Crumley, Esq. Dr. Sharp was raised and educated in his native county, and grew to manhood amid the stir- ring scenes of farm life. Impressed with a desire to enter the medi- cal profession, he began preparing for the same, by a course of reading in the office of Dr. C. C. Sams, of Hillsborough, Ohio, and later graduated from the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati,
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.